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Kukla's Korner Hockey

Semyon Varlamov Signs Five-Year Extension With The Avs

01/30/2014 at 6:59pm EST

DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed goaltender Semyon Varlamov to a five-year contract extension through the 2018-19 season.

Varlamov, 25, has posted a 26-9-5 record with a 2.43 goals-against average, .925 save percentage and one shutout in 42 games (39 starts) this season. Varlamov has already tied his career high with 26 wins, equaling his total from his first season with Colorado (2011-12). The Samara, Russia native is tied for third among NHL goaltenders in wins, ranks second in saves (1,199), third in shots faced (1,296), sixth in games (42-tied) and eighth in save percentage (.925).

“Undoubtedly, Semyon has been an impact player for us this season,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic. “At only 25 years old, he is entering the prime years of his career and he wants to be part of this franchise moving forward. We are very excited to have come to terms with him and the fact that he has agreed to a five-year extension demonstrates his commitment to the Avalanche and what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Varlamov was named to the 2014 Russian Olympic Team and will represent the host nation at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games next month in Sochi, Russia. It will be his second straight appearance at the Olympics, as he was also named to the 2010 team as the third goaltender but did not see action during the tournament. Varlamov has represented his country in eight major international events, backstopping Russia to the gold medal at the 2012 IIHF World Championship and also helping Russia to silver medals at the 2010 IIHF World Championship and the 2006 and 2007 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Entering Thursday’s game against Minnesota, Varlamov is 10-1-1 in his last 12 starts and 13-1-5 in his last 21 games (19 starts). He went 11-0-5 over a span of 16 starts from Dec. 12 to Jan. 18, equaling the longest streak without a regulation loss in franchise history (Peter Budaj in 2006-07). Varlamov is 9-1-1 this month, tying the franchise record for wins in January.

Varlamov won his first five starts this year and became the first goaltender in franchise history to allow one goal or less in each of his first four starts of a season. He and J.S. Giguere were named the NHL's Second Stars for Oct. 7-13. Varlamov went on to finish 7-1-0 with a 1.76 GAA in October, the highest winning percentage (.875) by an Avalanche/Nordiques goalie in the month of October.

Selected by Washington in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2006 Entry Draft, Varlamov was acquired by Colorado on July 1, 2011. In 189 career games, Varlamov has fashioned a 93-67-23 record with 12 shutouts, a 2.57 GAA and .915 Sv%. Eight of his 12 shutouts have come with Colorado, ranking him fourth in franchise history. He sits seventh in Avalanche/Nordiques history in wins (63) and is ninth in games (130).

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

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